“No. Not the best methods, and I will never encourage people to ride two- or three-year-olds. It’s a whole different sport and I want nothing to do with it.”
“Yeah. I get that.” I looked at the jumps that someone had already set up. “So, what do you need me to do?”
He moved to the other side of the mare and explained his plan to me while he continued to annoy her for a while more. By the time he was trotting over some ground poles, he was completely absorbed in her movements, and it was like watching poetry.
Competent people were exceedingly interesting to me, and on this ranch, there were plenty. Wren was amazing at what he did, too. I could only hope I was half as good at my own job.
Chapter 14
Emery
The bespoke suit fit like a glove as it should. The tailor had done an outstanding job. I didn’t need it, but it was what Demi wanted as I stood beside her at her wedding, so that’s what she got. The expense aside, I really did look good.
“Come on, pokey. I want to see!” My twin called out, frustration clear. “I’m already dressed and it should have taken me longer.”
“Calm your tits,” I responded, my tone much more reasonable. “You got started first. I need another minute.”
I fastened one button on the jacket and put on the bolo tie. One more glance in the mirror to make sure everything was laying as it should, then I stepped out of the room. Demi’s glare as she took me in was epic, but I was speechless at my sister in her dress.
“Fuck you, Emery James,” she bit out. “No way you should look better than me on my wedding day.”
I laughed, my breath gusting out. “First of all, that’s simply not possible.Demi. You look absolutely stunning.”
Her expression softened and she turned toward the mirror. It was one of those that had three mirrors set next to each other, so you could really see the whole picture.
“I do look good, huh?”
“Understatement.” I stepped up beside her, taking her in again.
The only time I’d seen the dress was on her computer screen as she’d been contemplating which dress to order. It had come in a couple of months ago, and she’d found a tailor and seamstress in Denver who could not only do the alterations on her dress but also make my suit. We’d had to make the trip separately for the fittings, but Demi insisted we go together for final fittings and to pick them up. Which is why we’d made the trek on my one day off, with the wedding only two weeks away.
“This is so very you,” I whispered, taking her hand and spinning her so that the skirt flared out. The gown was tea-length, so it hit just below her knees, winter white with lace details on the edge of the skirt and the top of the bodice. The cap sleeves were a nice touch too. It was understated yet still clearly festive for the occasion, and she looked stunning.
“Mom wanted the whole princess gown with the big, floor length skirt but I just couldn’t see myself in that.”
I shook my head. “No, you’re right. This is perfect and you look gorgeous. Are you going to wear a veil?”
“No. I have Gigi Fern’s headpiece.” She nudged me out of the way and opened a box she’d set on the chair. As soon as Demi pulled it out, I remembered seeing it as a child. Not on Gigi Fern, but in a picture at some point and later in the attic when we used to go exploring up there. It looked like a huge silver brooch,honestly, but with hair combs on the back instead of a pin. I knew the “diamonds” in it were probably cubic zirconia, but Demi had polished it and it shone. Gigi Fern had never gotten married so we weren’t sure why she had it. “I think maybe if I…wait, hold this.”
I took it from her and watched as she twisted up her curls, then arranged them a little so that some framed her face and some cascaded over the twist. Then she held it with one hand and held out her other. I handed over the headpiece and she held it up to one side of her head.
My eyes filled and I sniffed hard. “Even more perfect.”
Demi started crying then, just a few tears leaking out. “Mom’s giving me her garter too, even though we’re not doing that stupid tradition. It has a blue ribbon on it. And I think the headpiece counts as old.”
I chuckled. “Now you just need something borrowed. I’ve got the new.”
I’d planned for this and reached into my pocket for the box I’d stashed there when I’d put on the jacket. Demi’s eyes went wide, then narrowed as I held it out. She stood there, both hands in her hair, for another second before excitement took over. She practically shoved the headpiece at me and her curls fell around her shoulders again.
We switched and Demi popped open the box. I’d found the earrings during a late night online search about six months ago, right after she showed me the dress. I knew she’d pick this one, and the pearl drop earrings went perfectly. Demi wasn’t big on jewelry on the day to day, but she liked to add accessories when she dressed up.
“Fuck you,” she whispered, but I knew it was to hide the tears. Her smile was watery indeed as she softly touched one earring. Then she turned quickly and threw her arms around me, squeezing me tightly. “You’re the best twin brother in the wholeentire world, and I’m so glad you’re standing beside me as my man of honor. I couldn’t do this without you. Hell, I couldn’t dolifewithout you.”
“From womb to tomb,” I murmured, hugging her hard. We always used to say that as kids because our connection went that deep. We’d never had our own language like Judson and Kee, but we’d been just as close.
But Demi’s sentimentality was a little over the top, even taking into account the occasion. I gently eased back and studied her face. A second later, it dawned. I grinned. She scowled.
“When’s this one due?”
